Biaxin is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections affecting the skin and respiratory system. It is also used together with other medicines to treat stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori.

Biaxin is used for treating infections caused by certain bacteria. Biaxin is a macrolide antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of or killing sensitive bacteria by reducing the production of important proteins needed by the bacteria to survive.

INSTRUCTIONS

Use Biaxin as directed by your doctor.

Take Biaxin by mouth with or without food.

Biaxin works best if it is taken at the same time each day.

Continue to take Biaxin even if you feel well.

Do not miss any dose. If you miss a dose of Biaxin, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Biaxin.

STORAGE

Store Biaxin at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Biaxin out of the reach of children and away from pets.

MORE INFO:

Active Ingredient: Clarithromycin.

Do NOT use Biaxin if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Biaxin or to any other macrolide (eg, erythromycin)

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Biaxin may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Important safety information:

Biaxin only works against bacteria; it does not treat viral infections (eg, the common cold).

Long-term or repeated use of Biaxin may cause a second infection. Tell your doctor if signs of a second infection occur. Your medicine may need to be changed to treat this.

Be sure to use Biaxin for the full course of treatment. If you do not, the medicine may not clear up your infection completely. The bacteria could also become less sensitive to this or other medicines. This could make the infection harder to treat in the future.

Mild diarrhea is common with antibiotic use. However, a more serious form of diarrhea (pseudomembranous colitis) may rarely occur. This may develop while you use the antibiotic or within several months after you stop using it. Contact your doctor right away if stomach pain or cramps, severe diarrhea, or bloody stools occur. Do not treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor.

Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts, may be performed while you use Biaxin. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Biaxin should not be used in children younger 6 months; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Biaxin has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. Biaxin is not recommended for use during pregnancy except when no other antibiotics can be used. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Biaxin while you are pregnant. It is not known if Biaxin is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Biaxin, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome: